The Watercraft Journal By The Numbers: June 2014

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July 1, 2014

What the what? It’s already July? It seems like only yesterday we were griping about winter dragging on too long, and now it’s sweltering by 8 o’clock in the morning (not that we’re complaining). We’re already half way through the Hydro-Turf Pro Watercross Tour, having just published our next-day coverage of the Sparks, Nevada stop, with only a few more stops to go before the IJSBA World Finals! How time flies, right?

Looking back on the past month, we’re humbled to announce we’re still bringing in the most readers of any personal watercraft publication, be it day-to-day, week-to-week or monthly. We’ve received countless compliments regarding the quality, tone and quantity of our content, and it’s only going to improve. We’re narrowing down on providing a lot more “do it yourself” technical articles, tutorials and “how to” stories that will enable our readers to enjoy the most out of their watercraft.

This June we also celebrated being invited to play around on Yamaha’s own testing lake aboard some of the best hardware in the industry, as well as being personally welcomed to participate in Comedy Central’s “Roustabout” television series, where we joined a “jet ski gang” and caused all sorts of ruckus on the Tennessee River with comedian Kurt Braunohler (expect the full report early this July). We’ve also enjoyed being selected to testing some of the newest and exciting products in our sport. Needless to say, June was a good month.

As each month’s “By The Numbers” is really for the benefit of our current advertisers, as well as to help those who have yet to enjoy participation with The Watercraft Journal tofamiliarize themselves with this magazine, below we have created a thorough and informative look at the industry’s most widely read magazine.

June 2014

Reliable, Daily Content
There’s something to be said about reliability. Delivering on what you promise is still a big deal in our eyes, and it’s disappointing when others claim to do the same when the truth is they don’t. We publish everyday, Monday through Friday. It’s not hard to verify (just go to the magazine!), proving our commitment to publishing the most exciting, entertaining and informative professionally-written articles.

News articles published in May: 23
Feature articles published in May: 13
Total feature word count: 14,845 words*

News articles published in June: 26
Feature articles published in June: 11
Total feature word count: 9,926 words*

*When this number is translated to print publication standards equals a 106-page magazine. Please note that this number does not include an average of two uniquely-written news articles published daily.

Popular Performance
Producing more articles than anybody else doesn’t do you any bit of good if nobody is reading them. Thankfully, that is not the case for The Watercraft Journal. The quality grade of our content combined with our unmatched velocity has garnered us the largest reading audience of any personal watercraft magazine today. Our advertisers get access to more potential customers than with any other publication through endemic feature articles, monthly news releases and updates and high impact advertising.

May
Total number unique readers: 12,308*
Total number of articles read: 35,695
Percentage of new readers: 60%

June
Total number unique readers: 12,437*
Total number of articles read: 34,141
Percentage of new readers: 59.33%

*This number is considered equal to an individual sale of a single copy of a magazine.

Social Marketing, Not Just Media
Using social media to your advantage doesn’t just mean dumping money down its throat, but mindfully targeting the right audience to get the most for your investment. Our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and weekly newsletter are carefully crafted, monitored and customized to bring more engaged and interested readers to the magazine. It’s not “Likes” we’re after, but readership.

May Facebook readers: 8,324
May Facebook weekly reach: 40,923
Top Five countries: Brazil, United States, Philippines, Argentina, Thailand

June Facebook readers: 8,678
June Facebook weekly reach: 29,960
Top Five countries: Brazil, United States, Philippines, Argentina, Thailand

Reporting The Good News
The year isn’t even over and the manufacturers are reporting record numbers in new and used sales. And it’s through new unit sales that we measure the health of our industry. Because more and more people are interested in personal watercraft, they are doing their research, looking into what PWC meet their needs/wants, and are coming to The Watercraft Journal for industry news and happenings in the sport. It’s that simple. If you want your brand in front of more eyes than anywhere else, then you’ve come to the right place.

Australia’s JetSkiShop.com Joins The Watercraft Journal for 2014

By

Kevin Shaw

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July 1, 2014

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The Watercraft Journal isn’t prone to publishing much in the way of “cheesecake” but we can tell that the JetSkiShop’s model has a really good personality.

It’s a topsy turvy world when you live on opposing sides of the equator. When it’s summertime in the northern hemisphere, our neighbors below are just starting to put away the sunscreen and flip flops. And likewise, when we’re shoveling snow and fighting back headcolds, our Aussie brethren are enjoying some of the best riding around.

That’s why we’re so excited to welcome the JetSkiShop to The Watercraft Journal. Because we publish five days a week, all year long, partnering with the Queensland, Australia dealer and service center will not only provide us with great content from Down Under when we’ve packed up for the winter, but we’ll be working closely with James Tod and the JetSkiShop crew to develop new and exciting articles year-round!

As Australia’s leading Honda Aquatrax dealer (and the only Authorized dealer in South East Queensland), the JetSkiShop is one of the largest pre-owned dealers in Australia. From out of their two story showroom and facility, the JetSkiShop has full workshop that not only services its customers’ maintenance needs, but also builds race-grade craft!

“From servicing any make and model, to full engine rebuilds, our fully qualified Honda factory technicians trained in and at AMI in Daytona, have the knowledge of everything that is watercraft. Our experienced mechanic’s can service, rebuild or help you with any other problems you may have, and have your watercraft ready for you as soon as possible to get you back on the water.”

In addition to new and used PWC, the JetSkiShop stocks a wide range of JetPilot gear, tubes, tow ropes, wake boards, knee boards, genuine Honda accessories and aftermarket parts. Needless to say, we’re excited to be working together with such a professional and custom-friendly company and look forward to bringing you more from JetSkiShop!

Van Beek’s Flip for Emerson GoPro Weekend to Help Fight Child’s Leukemia

By

Kevin Shaw

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June 30, 2014

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“Peg leg Pete” McAfee is working to help raise funds for the mounting medical costs of young Emerson Meredith’s fight against leukemia.

Having a daughter the same age as the little girl for whom the Van Beek’s Flip For Emerson GoPro Weekend is for, what about to read is almost too difficult to imagine.

The Watercraft Journal was lucky enough to talk with freerider Pete McAfee who was willing to reveal the very touching story behind this honorable and worthwhile event happening this July 11th through the 13th at Van Beek’s Landing, Hanford, CA.

Pete explained: “This little angel is Emerson Meredith. Her father Josh and I were good buds growing up and roommates for about three years after high school. Last year, on June 17, Josh’s wife, Samantha took Emerson to the pediatrician because she had bruises that wouldn’t go away, a 101 fever that kept popping up every few days, a stomach ache and she was looking pale and tired.

“They ran some blood work and an hour later they got the call that made their world stop turning, “I need you to come back to the office. She has leukemia.” As you could imagine, they couldn’t even comprehend those two sentences. Twelve hours later they where in Fort Worth, TX meeting with an oncologist. It was midnight. They started blood transfusions immediately because 85% of her blood cells were blasts (cancer). The next day Emerson went into surgery to have her portacath put in and chemo started immediately after. Their new normal had begun.

“It has been one year since that day. One year of procedures, illness, lumbar punctures, holding down their baby while poison is pumped into her. One year of being more blessed and more grateful than ever before! One year of love and support from friends, family and total strangers!”

Understandably, the Meredith’s are facing some daunting challenges, one being surmounting medical costs. Because of this, Pete went to work seeing how he could help:

“I was talking to my buddy Daniel Van Beek about [Emerson], and he agreed to make his event a benefit to raise money for her. It’s taking place in Hanford, CA, July 11-13. It’s gonna have lots of riders hitting v-wakes. The event will be held on riverfront, private property with free camping. We’re trying to get a band to come out and play. Oh, and there will be a huge smoker BBQ pit.

“We are trying to get sponsors to donate a dollar per backflip (up to a certain amount) to raise money for her.

“We’re also putting together a Pro and Amateur prize package for the best trick (shirts, hats, gift cards). We will also be selling t-shirts for $20 to raise money for Emerson.

“The treatment continues, but [the Merediths] are celebrating how far they have come. They are thankful for their strong willed, intelligent and beautiful Emerson!”

The Meredith family thanks would like to thank everyone for their love and support! They ask that you look at the blessings in your life and appreciate them. Life can change in an instant.”

Gallery: Annual Norris Lake Couch Riders Cove Tour

By

Karen Kinsella

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June 27, 2014

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The annual Norris Lake Couch Riders Cove Tour (NLCRCT) featured three kinds of weather, some sparky new rides, lots of outdoor grilling, great friends, and miles of clear, smooth water.

Every May this disorganized, unorganized international group of riding enthusiasts gathers at Shanghai Resort on beautiful Norris Lake in LaFollette, Tennessee. The ride originated as Jet Stream Fest in 2000 at Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, morphing into The PWC Jamboree on Percy Priest Lake, before finally settling into its current digs at Shanghai in May of 2005.

A total of 50 people took part in the event this year, coming in for a few days or the whole week.

The Founding Fathers (as they are known), literally found a house on Norris one year and rented it. The overflow took shelter at nearby Hickory Star resort, and The Couch Riders Cove Tour began.

From morning to sunset, whether the mercury said 85 or 58, sun and clouds, wind and rain, we rode. The Sea-Doo #Sparksomefun tour showed up just as the drizzle ended on Thursday, and we were able to test out the new watercraft. (Big thanks to Andy and Sea-Doo for bringing the tour to us!)

The Spark is a fun ride, and while not a long-range touring craft, it could be a good fit for new riders, or as a companion ski to a larger boat. It is stable enough we were able to do in-water trades, bouncing back and forth between the two- and three-seater to test both.

After long days of riding, we hike the hill from the dock to our rooms at Shanghai for grilled dinners and nightly Texas Hold ‘em games in front of a blazing fire on the cabin porch. The whole week has a summer camp kind of feel about it.

Because this is a pre-season trip, we have the lake to ourselves, except for the occasional annoyed fishermen.

Even with all that, the riding takes first place here. Clear water, as flat and reflective as a mirror, stretches for miles.

Norris Lake is made from the damming of the Powell and Clinch Rivers, creating two connected bodies of water with over 800 miles of shoreline, and nearly 34,000 acres of water.

Narrow, winding creeks make fun single-file speed runs. Wide open main lake allows us to spread out and ride side by side, throttles pinned, like some new age wild-west posse.

Ride too far up the Clinch River, and you’ll find rapids and shallows, hopefully not too late to turn around! Head the other direction, and you can ride some truly rural water up the Powell River. Make sure to fuel up at Blue Springs Marina – if you go past this last chance stop, the Powell runs for at least 20 miles past it.

Whether it’s Bubba Brews, Stardust or Twin Cove, the marinas dotted along the shoreline are destinations in themselves, offering the biggest drinks and nachos, to the wildest wings.

This year, the water is down about 10 feet, exposing rock walls and little caves and crevices made for exploring all over the lake, and making the Jumping Rock and Jumping Bridge a bit more of a challenge for those who like heights.

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Video: You Won’t Believe This Amazing Backwards X2 Backflip

By

Kevin Shaw

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June 26, 2014

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Listen, we all know that the sport of freestyle is evolving at a faster rate than ever imagined. The advances in materials and technology used on these machines is seconded only by the amazing athleticism of these riders. Today’s freestyle routines are unlike anything conceived even a decade earlier.

As aftermarket hull and engine builders continue to create, develop and produce some amazing products, we’re watching athletes test their mettle in new and exciting ways. Lee Stone’s “scarecrow” maneuver executed only a couple of years ago at the IJSBA World Finals, which was first perfected by wave-riding freeriders in the surf, is now a watermark trick expected by some of the world’s best.

Now, we think we’ve found the next big thing: the “reverse cowboy” backwards-facing backflip on an X2. No, we’re not joking. Performed by Takaaki Murao, the Chiba, Japan resident works at Jet Sports Entrance in the same district of Tokyo. Takaaki is already a world-established freerider who regularly executes some incredibly articulate moves while riding the waves on his SuperJet, but this time took to flatwater on a heavily modded Kawasaki X2 to wow onlookers.

Watch for yourself HERE:

Post by Takaaki Murao.

Video: BomBoard Wins 2nd Place in MIT Enterprise Forum Whiteboard Competition

By

Kevin Shaw

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June 26, 2014

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How well do you remember Sea-Doo’s 3D? For those unfamiliar, the 3D was BRP’s first entry into the standup market that also doubled as a go-kart and single-seater runabout. Based off of the brand’s smaller runabouts, the 3D featured a large platform for standup riding, a collapsible banana seat that folded out for one-up riding, and a detachable bucket seat for karting.

Unfortunately, the 3D was a failure. It didn’t particularly shine in any of the three riding positions and enthusiasts simply didn’t know what do with it. Although well-built and executed, the final result was just trying to be too many things at once. For those who think back fondly on the 3D or for those who think everything above sounds like something you’d really like, we have good news.

The BomBoard is the brainchild of inventor John West, who wanted to design a modular personal watercraft that could be disassembled and fit in a compact car before being reassembled and enjoyed by “Millennials” who otherwise cannot afford an apartment outside of their parents’ house, not to mention the large, high-prices supercharged personal watercraft inundating the market today. When the four pieces are assembled (a process taking a purported 60 seconds), the BomBoard weighs in at 150 pounds. Powered by 250cc 34hp engine, it tops out at 40 miles per hour.

Currently, the BomBoard clinched second place in the annual Whiteboard Challenge hosted by MIT Enterprise Forum of Chicago. The competition is a showdown of upstart entrepreneurs pitching business plans before a panel of judges from a variety of industries. Below the video is the original press release:

The MIT Enterprise Forum of Chicago held its annual Whiteboard Challenge competition on May 20th 2014 at the Art Deco Theater in the Civic Opera House.

The Whiteboard Challenge gives entrepreneurs 5 minutes to describe a business idea using only a marker and a whiteboard. 80 applications were narrowed down to 10 finalists from a wide variety of industries.

Anders Stubkjaer, the COO/CFO of BomBoard LCC, presented the BomBoard Kick-Ass WaterKart idea in front of a panel of judges and a packed auditorium. “We are extremely pleased with our 2nd place finish” said Anders. He went on to say: “This competition was more challenging because we were not able to show the videos of our prototype in action.” Still well over half the audience raised their hands when Anders asked if they would like to ride the BomBoard.

John Jonelis, the editor of Chicago Venture Magazine said: “Bomboard is the most significant recreational breakthrough in a decade because it represents the merger of Thrill and Athleticism with Portability and Affordability. I want one and so do most people who find out about this superb craft”

BomBoard LLC is a commercialization stage startup company, who has invented the world’s only modular, high performance jet ski that can be transported in the back of a compact car allowing millions of city dwellers to own, store and transport their own watercraft. “We were able to achieve a breakthrough $3,495 price by utilizing new materials and drastically reducing the size and weight of the product compared to traditional jet skis.” said John West, Founder and CEO of BomBoard LLC. “The patented modularity and the world’s lowest price is a true game changer” concluded John West.

The MIT Enterprise Forum of Chicago is part of the MIT Alumni Association but open to any member of the entrepreneurial community. It is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide educational programs and services that promote and strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship at the intersection of business and technology in the Chicagoland area.

Krash Industries Announces 2014-15 Krash Nationals USA Freeride Tour

By

Kevin Shaw

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June 25, 2014

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It’s nearly the end of June, marking the half-way point for many enthusiasts’ riding season across the nation. Fearing that October’s IJSBA World Finals will conclude any exciting coverage of jet ski action, we at The Watercraft Journal are happy to announce that such is not the case.

Late last night, Krash Industries announced on their Facebook wall the creation of the Krash Nationals USA Freeride Tour for 2014-2015. Kicking off with Washington’s Grayland Open in August, the tour will continue with another stop in September (purportedly – but unofficially – the Blowsion Surf Slam), then into January’s Daytona Freeride and concluding with April’s Wavedaze.

When published, the Grayland Open Facebook page posted, “I’m very happy to announce that Krash Industries has signed on to be the Title sponsor for the 2014 Grayland Open. We have also worked out 3 stops for the first ever U.S. National freeride tour. We’ll try and get some details up on the website soon but here’s the events and dates scheduled so far.”

Savvy readers will note that it was The Watercraft Journal who was the only publication to provided next-day event coverage (or even event coverage at all) of all of the nation’s biggest freeride events and will continue in this tradition for the Krash USA Freeride Tour.

The official press announcement reads as follows:

Krash [Industries] are proud to announce that in conjunction with some of the USA’s largest Freeride events we will be running a 4 round USA national tour. There will be 5 classes Pro, Amateur, Rookies, Runabout and Masters the Overalls for the Pro class will be over the 4 rounds where as for the Amateur, Rookies, Runabout and Masters there will be an East Coast Champion and West Coast Champion.

The scoring criteria will consist of 50% surf riding and 50% aerial monovers as it is done at all other major International events.

Again a massive thank you to Dan Lindgren at the Grayland Open, Nick Foederer at Daytona Freeride and Dan Swartz at Wavedaze for getting behind this to help get it off the ground and also the Zack and Jake Bright for there on going input and assistance.

Jet Renu Teams With Jake Zier to Develop No-Fog Goggle Cleaner

By

Kevin Shaw

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June 24, 2014

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Nothing can interfere with enjoying the most out of your ride finishing strong in your moto than not being able to see. Goggle fogging is caused when heat from your skin and/or breath contacts the cold lens. The fastest way to thwart fogging is to use a lens that is either treated to maintain temperature in various weather conditions, or purchase a goggle that has excellent ventilation.

Of course, there is one more way: treating your lenses with a chemical that regulates surface temperature – the same way your mom taught you to spit into your swim mask as a kid. Of course, saliva isn’t exactly sanitary and is a little less than ideal for maximum visibility. This has prompted the good folks at Jet Renu to partner with team member Jake Zier.

Together, Zier and Jet Renu have been working to redevelop their “Clear” glass cleaner formula to include Anti-Fog properties. This new formula will not only provide excellent cleaning and streak-free visibility, but will also maintain a clear transparency free from fogging! The new formula isn’t ready yet, but will be available in time for World Finals.

Own Mark Gomez’s Kommander Matrix Freeride/Freestyle Ski

By

Kevin Shaw

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June 23, 2014

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OK, let’s just get this out there first: $9,499 doesn’t get you a whole lot in this sport. Sure, a new Yamaha SuperJet will cost you $1,000 less out the door, but that’s in factory floor stock condition. But do you know what $9,499 will get you right now? Mark Gomez’s insane blue/silver Kommander-powered, Trinity Matrix-hulled, Blowsion-painted freeride ski. And no, what you’re getting is NOT the stripped down gutted version, either. Nope. You’re getting the real deal here.

Possibly one of the single-most photographed skis piloted by a professional jet skier in the last year and a half, this ski began life in Bobby Howering’s Trinity Composites Melborne, FL shop. Based off of (and compatible with all parts from) a 1996-2007 Yamaha SuperJet, the Trinity Matrix hull is built from fiberglass vinyl ester, and according to Mark Gomez, has had the hull recently reinforced, hand trued, and re-gelcoated.

Mark continues, “it also has a newer heavy duty paint matched freeride hood, reinforced splash guard, and complete custom Hydro-Turf mat kit installed with 1-inch padding for heavy surf landings and comfort.”

“The benefits to the hull over the Superjet besides the overall strength look and quality is being -2 inches shorter than the SuperJet. By unscrewing the rear hull extensions, it can be up to -4 inches in length for easier backflipping in smaller wave conditions. Prototype tubbie front sponsons are installed to make this ski a carving bottom and top turning machine. The wide angled bondline makes the ski extremely stable in all conditions. The bondline also tapers up with the nose rocker off the hull making backflips much easier in the surf when attacking the base of the wave. The matrix is hands down one of the most fun and massively stable surf skis I have ridden coming off of the Yamaha SuperJet platform.”

Lastly, this particular Matrix comes with some serious grunt, “Powered by a Kommander Industries-built full limited Yamaha 760cc engine and pushed by a Solas 144mm Magnum Pump. This ski delivers great liner power being responsive, fast, and reliable. Plenty of power to flat water barrel roll with the right set up wake and technique.”

Below, Mark has gone ahead and listed all of the parts, accessories and labor to build this ski totaling a staggering $26,090!

Accessories

White RRP Kommander Chinpad $250.00
Limiting Rope w/Superflip eyelet and Soft Shackles $90.00
3-Way Bilge Rotary Switch $39.95
Wammer 45 Degree Flush Clear Billet Bilge Fitting $34.95
Hood Strap Kit $29.99
500 GPH Bilge Pump $28.95
Wammer 45 Degree Flush Clear Billet Bypass Fitting 24.95
Electrical/Ignition Components
Ignition Enhancer $407.40
Electrical Box Overhaul $320.00
62T Overhaul Serviced Stator $268.00
16CLB AGM Battery $80.00
Start Stop Switch Overhaul $75.00

Engine/Components

Resleeved Big Bore Ported 61x Cylinder $1,600.00
B Pipe -Mod Chamber/Port matched Manifold/Bored head pipe $774.95
OEM Crankshaft $700.00
Modified OEM Dual 38mm Carburetors/ Epoxied Intake Manifold $450.00
Fuel Tank System Clear $369.00
OEM Lightened 62T Flywheel $150.00
OEM Starter Motor $350.00
Billet Black 760cc Girdled Head System @ 185 PSI $349.90
Fuel Valve/Petcock assy $45.00
V-Force 2 Carbon Fiber Reeds $258.95
Waterbox $240.00
4 Billet/Rubber Motor Mounts $232.00
Big Bore 84mm Pistons $229.00
OEM Fuel Tank/ Waterbox Straps & Stainless Anchors W/ Hardware $218.00
Billet Blue Anodized Flywheel Cover $159.00
OEM Starter Bendix $150.00
Custom Aluminum Rear Exhaust Tube $100.00
Reed spacer kit $98.95
Aluminum Battery Box $75.90
Water Flow Control Valve $44.95
Engine Lock Washers $39.95
Wrist Pin Bearings $30.00
Billet Fuel Filter $29.00
Primer Kit $25.95
Clear Blue Fuel Line $23.00

Handling/Control

Clear Billet RRP Handle Pole $975.00
Billet Lowered Handlepole Bracket $199.00
Steering Cable (96-07 Superjet) $166.95
Billet Pro Series Riser bar Quick Steer System $159.00
Black Finger Throttle (Kawi) $69.95
Pivot Pole Bolt $55.00
Kommand Phat Straight Bars $49.95
Handle Pole Spring $49.49
Kawasaki 750 Throttle Cable $36.00
Troy Lee Edition White Grips $29.95
Turn plate Bushings $22.00

Hull

2012 Matrix ES -4″ Vinyl Ester Hull $5,299.99
Custom Di-Cut Graphic kit $750.00
Scupper Valve $95.00
Hydro-Turf Products Used to Pad/Upholster Tray and side rails $418.00
Hand warmer bypass and back flush kit $25.00
Matrix Tubbies $300.00
Front Foothold $85.00
Billet Hood Hooks Clear $69.95
Billet Clear Hood Prongs $69.00
Billet clear Hood Latch $64.50
Custom Billet Ebox Mounting Brackets $50.00

Labor

Kommander Industries Assembly *Custom Hull* $4,500.00
Silver Paint and Graphic Installation $600.00
Custom Hydro-Turf Installation $300.00

Pump/Driveline

OEM 96-07 SJ Driveshaft, Pump Bearings & Seals $562.81
144mm Magnum Pump $495.00
Complete Billet Midshaft Assembly $424.50
Stainless 144mm Wear Ring $334.95
Hooker 10-17 Impeller $264.99
314 D-Cut Ride Plate $216.00
Modified 242 Rickter Intake Grate $182.00
Bored OEM Nozzle $125.00
Light Weight billet Couplers & Dampener $111.95
144mm Pump Shoe $89.00
Solas Mag Performance Pump Cone $54.99
Modified quick steer nozzle $49.49
Solas Pump Spacer Ring $40.99
Coupler Cover $17.95

Real Review: Bolt One-Key Lock Set

By

Kevin Shaw

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June 23, 2014

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The BOLT Cable Lock features a coil sprung 6-foot cable wrapped in insulating rubber making for good corrosion resistance and access.

Admittedly, it’s been a little longer since we’ve published one of our “Real Reviews” than we’d like. Our delay has only been due to so many cool and unique products and items pouring into our office that we’re trying to give enough test time to provide an adequate review. One such has been a truly remarkable innovation for what normally are pretty unremarkable: locks.

Over a month ago, we were approached with an opportunity to test out BOLT’s One-Key Lock set. Consisting of a cable lock, receiver lock and padlock, the BOLT brand gives these normally mundane pieces of everyday equipment a very fresh and 21st century splash of technology. Strattec Security Corporation’s BOLT line of locks feature a patented “one-key lock technology,” which permanently “programs” the lock to your tow vehicle’s ignition key.

True to its word, the BOLT lock comes out of the package ready to be “programmed.” By inserting and twisting your ignition key in the lock cylinder, the spring-loaded plate tumblers index, immediately coding the cylinder to your key. This not only makes securing down your truck, trailer and personal watercraft easy with one key, but also makes picking your lock all the more difficult.

We look at purchasing locks for your valuables as a necessary purchase, and we liked the convenience and technology employed by the unique BOLT Locks. Now, technology like this isn’t cheap. The Receiver Lock is $31.99 alone. But again, if you want the best, you’re gonna pay for it.

Owned by Strattec, the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive locks and keys, BOLT are made with an electroless nickel-plated carbon steel shaft assembly and feature an automotive-grade stainless steel lock shutter, a crush-resistant body shell and a six-plate tumbler sidebar to resist corrosion from salt water or exposure to the elements. Finally, all BOLT tumblers are wrapped in a rubberized sheathe.

As mentioned, we were first provided with BOLT’s Cable Lock. Made with 1/4-inch coiled cable with black vinyl coating, the Cable Lock is six feet long, allowing us plenty of slack to wrap through the bow eye and around the trailer frame. The cable is coil sprung, so wrapping up the Cable Lock is effortless.

After several week’s worth of towing, riding and exposure to the elements, you can see how the BOLT Receiver Lock shows zero discoloring.

Next was BOLT’s Receiver Lock. BOLT offers two versions to lock the trailer to the hitch for Class I through Class V hitches. For our Dodge 1500 pickup, we used the 5/8-inch Receiver Lock (ideal for most trucks and SUVs with a Class III, Class IV or Class V hitches). Lastly, we used a standard BOLT Padlock to secure our hitch’s ball lock. All three quickly adapted to our Ram’s ignition key with a satisfying “click” that immediately customized each lock to our vehicle.

With our hitch, trailer and ski firmly secured, we proceeded to drive over 1,100 miles in three days across five states. (No, we’re not joking. Stay tuned to The Watercraft Journal for more on this epic roadtrip.) With a single key in our bathing suit short’s pocked, we were able to back the truck down the launch, unlock and launch our skis. The same went for after our day’s ride. No more fumbling for extra keys or going without – as we know so many do.

Thankfully, getting your hands on a set of BOLT Locks is made pretty easy thanks to their online store, as well as being sold through 4-Wheel Parts stores, Action Car and Truck Accessories, Advance Auto Parts, Auto Value, Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts, Canadian Tire, Lordco Auto Parts, Pep Boys, and Summit Racing.